On October 1, the Boothbay Region YMCA began offering Livestrong at the YMCA, a research-based physical activity and well-being initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals.

The Livestrong at the YMCA program is available to cancer survivors and their families in the Boothbay community, and will be offered in 12-week sessions, free of charge, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Nine individuals, after going through the intake process, began the program Tuesday.

“Research shows exercise is the simplest way for cancer survivors to reduce fatigue, improve their mood and bounce back from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment more quickly,” said Dr. Ruth Rechis, Livestrong Foundation Vice President of Programs. “But there weren’t enough programs to help people affected by cancer reach their health and well-being goals, so LIVESTRONG and the Y joined forces to create Livestrong at the YMCA. The Y is the perfect collaborator because of its national reach, commitment to meeting the needs of all community members and history of program innovation in support of health and wellness.”

As part of Livestrong at the YMCA, the Y engages cancer survivors through an approach that focuses on the whole person. Participants work with trained Y staff to build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors by providing a supportive community environment where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.

“We are excited to collaborate with Livestrong to offer those who have been diagnosed with cancer the support they need to build both emotional and physical strength,” said Meagan Hamblett, Membership & Marketing Director. “With a mission centered on balance, the Y strives to be a leading voice on health and well-being for our community by providing resources and guidance so that all people, no matter what their circumstance, can achieve greater health and well-being in spirit, mind and body.”

The Boothbay Region Y was one of nine Ys in Maine and New Hampshire to join together and undergo rigorous training in order to spread the program throughout the region.

Livestrong at the YMCA is part of a multi-year collaboration between YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for the Y, and the Livestrong Foundation, the organization created to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action. The foundation is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people around the world living with cancer today.Livestrong at the YMCA, launched in 2008, is designed to improve the health and day-to-day quality of life for the country’s growing population of cancer survivors and their families. By the end of 2013, Livestrong at the YMCA will be offered at 300 Ys around the country. To date, more than 16,800 cancer survivors have participated in the program nationwide.

For more information, contact Carrie Eason, Membership Services Coordinator & Front Desk Supervisor at: ceason@brymca.org or 207-633-2855.